Flyers welcome being home; Bryz still No. 1
After spending most of November and December on the road - and then going on a recent week-long trip to Ottawa, Carolina, Long Island and Nashville - the Flyers are grateful to be home for nine of the next 12 games.
Flyers welcome being home; Bryz still No. 1
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
After spending most of November and December on the road - and then going on a recent week-long trip to Ottawa, Carolina, Long Island and Nashville - the Flyers are grateful to be home for nine of the next 12 games.
Since Nov. 9, the Flyers have played 29 games - 20 on the road.
“It was a grind,” coach Peter Laviolette said after Monday’s practice in Voorhees. “It was good to get through it and still be in good shape, and we look to make some hay down the stretch here.”
The Flyers host Minnesota on Tuesday.
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Though Sergei Bobrovsky has played like the Flyers’ top goalie, Laviolette made it clear that Ilya Bryzgalov is still his No. 1.
“I don’t use numbers, you know that,” Laviolette said when asked who was his No. 1. “Now Bryz has gotten a majority of the starts. I don’t know if that answers your question or not…Bryz was brought here to be a horse, and he’s received a majority of the games. I don’t see that changing.”
Bryzglaov is 16-10-3 with a 3.07 goals-against average and .891 save percentage.
Bobrovsky is 10-3-1 with a 2.42 GAA and .921 save percentage.
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Feisty winger Zac Rinaldo was hit in the mouth and left the ice during Monday’s practice, but general manager Paul Holmgren said the injury wasn’t serious and that he would be available to play on Tuesday.
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Center Blair Betts, sidelined with a knee injury all season, skated before practice again and said he hopes to play this season.
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Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
Comments (33)
Although I've suggested that maybe Bob should be in net for the short term, I can see the logic behind this. Good move giving Bryzgalov the opportunity to pull himself out of the hole he's dug himself. He has the talent to turn it around.— stonelamb- Goalies are a notoriously squirelly, superstitious and emotional lot. Not bolstering Bryz's confidence would be devastating to his getting back on track. Im telling you, the guy needs a sports psychiatrist. He IS a good goalie but his confidence is severely shaken and rightly so. There is no doubt in my mind Lavy and the team are more comfortable with Bob between the pipes at this point, but they HAVE to publicly support Bryz. Its the right thing to do as a teammate and as an organization. But there is no doubt they are not feeling good about their decision to on that contract of his. And they are most likely wishing they listened to me and got Vokoun instead! LOL Im available to consult on future decisions Homer! :)— Neebo
- Finally, a reasonable user post. Thanks stonelamb— jma46
- Yeah cause Vokoun kept his #1 spot in Washington, right? He's been just as bad if not worse than Bryz.— seaonasdad
- I think the 51 mil has a lot to do with this decision. Strictly going by on ice production, Bob is the one! Most would agree that it's not close. Bob play far better.— rustypop58
- not a chance, Lavi has proven that this is his team if not bryz would have played in the Winter classic, don't forget the money that would have went to charity from auctioning off bryz's mask if he had played. You don't think Snider would have like to been able to say he contributed to that charity just for the public relations, Lavi is calling the shots on this team. Byrz is used to playing a ton of games in a row, you gotta keep putting him in there that is unless he actually starts playing worse. Tell u the truth i don't think bryz is in playing shape physically right now for whatever reason. He needs to put more work in in practice & play a nice string of games in a row. — mos19delta
- I don't think Laviolette cares about money. If Bryz doesn't get it together by the stretch run, Bob will be take over. Doesn't really hurt to have both splitting time right now, Bryz won't get out of his slump by not playing.— Sidewinder7
- Vokoun is actually 2.52GAA, but thats neither here nor there. Both havent played that great and Vokoun is just getting out of his slump. Bryz hasnt looked confident in a while, poor rebound control, bad angles and other teams can see that. Bob on the other hand looks great on his angles, controls rebounds dont think bad teams have anything to do with that. I think Pitt is a pretty good team and Bob has owned them. Win is a win in any league!— shanehockey28
- Agree with Sidewinder, purely political on Lavy's part. Come playoff time he will play the better goaltender, regardless of salary. What I hope doesn't happen is this idea of giving Bryz "time to turn it around" down the playoff stretch...wins are far too important to sacrifice in order to build his confidence. Play the hot hand.— n62
- Bob has been very good but he's played against mostly lower ranked teams while Bryz has seen the majority of game against the better teams that are heading to the playoffs. Laviolette is playing this the right way. Bob is still developing, Bryz has to be the number one guy or he, Laviolette, risks destroying the confidence of both goalies then we'll be left with just "Five Hole" Leighton.— mikegdj
- how do we know that bob is answer? to be fair he hasnt played good teams besides the rangers although he gave up a soft goal on that team, our defense is major problem with this team, too many turnovers, deflections, not clearing the crease, it doesnt matter what goalie is on this team, we are not going anywhere with sloppy defensive play. both goalies cant keep bailing out defensive mistakes it will eventually get to both of them and crumple.— lonewolf83
- I spoke with Ilya yesterday while he was shopping with his wife and kids. He seemed to be down on himself, I told him not to worry about the comments from some of the "fans". I patted him on the back and told him that many of his true fans know he'll turn it around.
He and his wife thanked me for saying that, they didn't have to, because I know he'll play better~— jdwilgus - Puhlease. What was the rationale annointing Byrz #1 and giving him the big bucks? Was it his 2009-2011 which were the first two seasons he was noticeably better than .500 in wins? Or was it the 12-13 playoff record? I keep hearing how Bryz is a playoff goalie. Really? It was just last season that the Flyers and Steve Coates were enamored with young Bobrovsky. No one in hockey can get side to side in the crease as fast they said, and the speed with which he could kick the puck away was second to none. Did he lose these abilities? Bob certainly is faster side to side than Bryz and his leg action is quicker than Ilya's. He can even stop the occasional breakaway, speaking of which I would rather have Bob than Bryz in a shootout. So how is Bryz better? Because the Flyers are on the hook for $51 mill? Unbelievable that the season and the goalie situation is being decided by $$$. It is a fine mess you got us into this time Ollie!— rockinrob
- I'm tired of this guy getting handed starts just because he makes more money. Bob has earned it at this point and I rather see Leighton/Bob that Bryz at all. Get Halak and I'll really be happy...but the flyers have no choice but to HOPE that Bryz turns around because they don't have the option to do any of what I stated...what a mess— philly thug
- This just in the newsroom....jdwilgus was caught using Ilya Bryzgalov's stolen credit cards in a department store...Bryz when asked for comment said, all he remembers is talking to some crazy Flyers fan who kept patting him on his backl and the next thing he knew his wallet was missing.....I am sure there will be more on this at 11.— rockinrob
- The Bryz has to be number one.He makes more money than Bobs.— bill the pill
- @rockinrob, you're DEAD on about your comments to jdwilgus. Come on man, you talked to him shopping? Did you expect him to give you some detailed insight on his play or the team? COME ON MAN! Briz knows the starting position is his to lose. They will go back and forth now but come late Feb you will see Lavy ride 1 keeper most of the way. Briz just isn't reliable. It's like the Flyers going out and getting Bobby Ryan, giving him a lot of $$$ and him having 5 points all season and not dressing. At some point Briz just has to do what we brought him here to do....win games.— westchesterhky
- why?— Old German
- Not surprising to see this comment from the coach. After all they have spent a fortune on him and he'll get a full shot this year to get on track. Bob will be fine and is playing very well as of late.— Northcountry
- Results. Bob looks far faster, post to post, and has stood on his head several times. I suggest you go with the hot hand.— Hatfield_ham
- The Sky is blue too. Pointless article.— fman727
Comment removed.- The starting position should be earned, not given to the player with the higher paycheck. If you want to blow games and lose points then start Bryz and HOPE he works himself out of his funk, but the bottom line is these are professionals and he plays a vital position on this team. It's not like we can throw him on the 4th line until he works it out. He's got to work it out in the spot starts he gets or just give it to Bob who is clearly the better goalie right now. We need these points more than Bryz needs his ego coddled.— Kanayd
- the sky is blue?!— raoool
- No. Bob has earned the job, let him have it.— BigDaddy3150
- Hey Rockinrob, classic response, I haven't laughed like that in while. Thank you.— NCFLYER
- Oh boy...any news on a d-man?— Phillyfan666
- Comment removed.
- Should have said that before the winter classic moron. Get rid of that winter classic helmet that you did not need and start fresh with Russian flag on back, universe and sexy dog. I am not being sarcastic. Do it!— NYPHILLYPHAN
- Not sure why... Bob looks like the better goalie right now. Bryz needs to realuze that he's in the hockey universe of the NHL. This is a place were the legends never die. They live for ever if they produce and play hard. Philadelphia is about work ethic and leaving it all out there. If he doesnt get back its gonna turn ugly and thats not gonna help the team. Its all about the team Bryz make a statement while youre here. We need you to pick it up and get focused on hockey! This city wants that cup!!!— Apollo Creed
- "Laviolette says Bryz is still No. 1." Yeah, sure he is....— hallux
- NYPHILLYPHAN
Now that is funny!!!I've been saying this for a long time now. There is a reason that Bryz doesn't play on the Russian national team. He lacks work ethic. All last year everyone was amazed by BOB's work ethic. You know why not one person comments on Bryz's? It is probably because he has none. I remember John Kruk's Wall of Fame speech from this summer about being able to play in Philly. And Mr. Bryzgalov seems to fit in the not being able to play here category. I don't care how goofy he is. I have played hockey for about 11 years now and have seem my share of crazy goalies. But, What gets me is he seems to not care about the game period. Watch him when he sits on the bench. It is the same reaction he gives on the ice. Nothing. I don't know maybe he stops in Kensington and picks up some smoke or something but he needs to get his head out of the clouds.— starlight - Bryz has a multi-year contract and is our current #1 goalie. He will carry the load come playoff time and needs games to regain his confidence. No-one is happy with his play thus far into the season, but crunch time is April, not now, he will be good for us in the postseason.— flyerdommo
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Broad Street Bull is the Inquirer's blog covering the Philadelphia Flyers and the National Hockey League.
Reach Sam at scarchidi@phillynews.com.
Sam Carchidi
Inquirer Staff Writer
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